
rich & REGULAR with Kiersten and Julien Saunders
rich & REGULAR is the podcast for people who want to take charge of their money, pay off their debt, build their wealth, and live their best lives without being obsessed with money. Every week, Kiersten and Julien Saunders show you how money intersects with everything else in your life and teach you how to use it to your advantage. They share their insights and tips on how to make, save, and invest money in creative and unconventional ways. They also help you understand the big changes that are happening in the world and how to adapt to them. Because being rich & famous is overrated. Being rich & REGULAR is where it's at.
Latest episodes

Feb 26, 2024 • 47min
Ep 151: Raising a rich kid | featuring our son Beau
Beau, the son of the hosts, shares insights on being raised with a focus on financial education. The parents discuss teaching him the value of saving and investing from a young age using video games and sports metaphors. Beau reveals his dreams of becoming a millionaire and a baseball player, emphasizing the importance of normalizing investing for kids.

Feb 19, 2024 • 42min
Ep 150: The Confidence Trap | How risk affects your investments
In this episode, we talk about the concept of overconfidence in investing, also known as the confidence trap. We explain why confidence is important and how it can either help or hinder us in achieving our goals. We also examine the role of ego in investing and how it affects our self-image as investors and use culinary references and personal stories to make our points. We stress the difference between investing and gambling, and the need to understand and manage risk. The episode ends with some tips for making better investment decisions and seeking advice from experienced investors.TakeawaysConfidence can be a double-edged sword in investing.Ego influences how we see ourselves as investors.The relationship between work and investing can affect our risk appetite.Investing should be done with a mindset of doing less and avoiding overdoing it.Investing and gambling are not the same thing.Calculating risks and considering beta and R-squared can help us make better investment decisions.Investing should be seen as a slow and steady process, not a fun or exciting one.Seeking advice from experienced investors and learning from personal stories can give us valuable insights. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Feb 12, 2024 • 39min
Ep 149: Fashion vs. Frugality | How a capsule wardrobe can save you time and money
In this episode, we discuss capsule wardrobes and how this approach can help people save time and money. In it, they explore how men and women differ in their adoption of the tactic. Specifically, men are more likely to call a capsule wardrobe a uniform. They also discuss the high costs associated with maintaining a professional wardrobe and what they did during their corporate careers to manage it.During the conversation, Julien and Kiersten are joined by a special guest, Winston Peters. Winston is a Business and Brand Strategist, Consultant, Adjunct Professor at Manhattan College, and Julien's long-time friend. He is the only person he knows who adopted a uniform; though [interestingly enough] he refers to his capsule wardrobe as an "alphabet" and chooses to always wear the color black Winston shares how he came to make the decision to adopt this style, the benefits it affords him, whether he encountered any "backlash" as a result of his wardrobe decision and how others have reacted to it over the years. Connect with Winston on LinkedIn Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Feb 5, 2024 • 55min
Ep 148: Is FIRE really a movement? | A special Black History Month episode
The podcast explores the nature of the FIRE movement and its intersection with history and societal change. It discusses the importance of financial independence and reflections on Black History Month. The episode also explores the stock market, toxic work environments, movements, gender wage gap, technology's role in social change, and the significance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight for civil rights.

Jan 29, 2024 • 38min
147: Is a Costco membership worth it?
What does it mean to be a Costco member in 2024? This week we’re loud budgeting our grocery bill and discussing our recent decision to get a Costco membership. We share our initial impressions of the store, the perks we have enjoyed so far, and a few factors to consider when deciding whether a Costco membership is right for you. Food is a Big 3 expense for most households and with recent price surges, many people are feeling the squeeze on their budgets. Throughout the episode, we encourage you to think critically about your shopping habits and preferences and ask yourself how much you truly need, how much you can store, and how much money you can save. We also talk about the importance of understanding your consumption, being mindful of food waste, and supporting your community through responsible shopping practices. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Jan 22, 2024 • 44min
Ep 146: Jamila Souffrant | Finding Freedom within a Framework
This week our guest is Jamila Souffrant, host of the Journey to Launch podcast and author of the new book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom. In this conversation, we discuss her journey to financial independence and the lessons she has learned along the way. We talked about how she reached her breaking point and decided to pursue financial independence, how the FIRE movement inspired and challenged her, the importance of including various options in personal finance education, and the impact of immigration stories on financial journeys. We also discuss the challenges and strategies of raising financially savvy kids and the evergreen principles of financial education that apply to anyone. Jamila believes that building wealth is not about chasing the latest trends or optimizing every penny, but about finding a balance between what makes you happy and what makes you secure. She shares the importance of taking a 'boring' approach to building wealth, encouraging you to focus on sustainable and fulfilling strategies rather than constant optimization. She also emphasizes the value of investing in low-cost index funds and retirement accounts as a foundation for financial security. Get Jamila’s new book, Your Journey to Financial Freedom wherever books are sold. Subscribe to the Journey to Launch podcast and keep up with Jamila on Instagram, X, YouTube and Facebook. TakeawaysThe journey to financial independence often starts with a breaking point, where individuals realize they can no longer accept their current circumstances.The FIRE movement can be a powerful tool for achieving financial independence, and it is important to find resources and communities that resonate with your personal journey.Including various options and frameworks in personal finance education allows individuals to find a path that aligns with their goals and values.Immigration stories can provide valuable lessons and inspiration for financial journeys, highlighting the sacrifices and determination required to create a better life.Teaching children about money and investing should focus on the concepts of income, expenses, and the importance of balancing present enjoyment with long-term goals. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Jan 15, 2024 • 53min
Ep 145: 4 Common Layoff Mistakes to Avoid
In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers of the recent layoff phenomenon, a storm that’s been brewing and hit hardest in 2023. Our take is that it’s not just about job loss; it’s a cultural shift within organizations that leaves a lasting imprint. This episode is here to help you navigate this storm, armed with insights and strategies that improve your chances of success.We’ve identified four common mistakes that people often stumble into post-layoff: assuming it won’t happen again, the temptation to keep it a secret, neglecting hard skills and certifications, and leaving a 401(k) with a former employer. These are not just mistakes; they’re missed opportunities for growth and resilience. If anything this episode is a reminder of the importance of staying the course even when faced with adversity. It’s about weathering the storm, not avoiding it. So join us, we’ve got a lot to talk about. Links: Episode 53: Upskilling to earn more money LinkedIn Future of Skills tool TakeawaysLayoffs have become more common, and it is important to be prepared and proactive in navigating the challenges.Assuming layoffs won't happen again can leave you unprepared and vulnerable. It is important to be aware of the signs and be proactive in protecting yourself.Keeping a layoff a secret can hinder your ability to find new opportunities and receive support from your network. It is important to be open and transparent about your situation.Neglecting hard skills and certifications can limit your job prospects. It is important to continuously develop and update your skills to stay competitive in the job market.Leaving your 401(k) with your former employer can result in missed opportunities for growth and potential fees. It is important to consider your options and make informed decisions about your retirement savings. Roll over your 401k account into a different retirement account to minimize fees and contribute to your retirement.Leaving your 401k with an old employer can lead to losing track of your investments, limited access, and changes in investment allocation.Update beneficiary designations to avoid complications Understand the difference between direct and indirect rollovers and the importance of investing the funds in your new account.Use the time to consider opening a different investment account and continue investing even after a layoff Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Jan 8, 2024 • 55min
Ep 144: JL Collins | Find a Path or Make One
JL Collins, the Godfather of the Financial Independence movement, talks about his new book 'Pathfinders' where he shares stories of achieving financial freedom. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, measure quality of life, craft a unique life that aligns to values, put family first, stay optimistic in an uncertain world.

Jan 1, 2024 • 46min
Ep 143: The top stories that will impact your money in 2024
This episode is about three stories that will change the way you invest, spend, and earn your money in 2024. They aren't predictions, but trends that are already happening and will likely continue. We start by reviewing what happened in 2023 and how it changed our perspective on money. Then we go into the first story, which is how the stock market was dominated by the Magnificent Seven tech stocks, thanks to their innovation and scale. The second story is about how fintech and buy now, pay later options have transformed the way we spend money. The third story is about how AI, artificial intelligence, will affect the future of work. Links: Join our mailing list to get Brain Candy directly in your inbox Takeaways:- The Magnificent Seven tech stocks drove the stock market performance in 2023, showing the power of AI and technology.- Fintech and buy now, pay later options changed our consumer spending habits, leading to new ways of borrowing and lending that are more convenient and flexible, but also more risky and addictive- AI will have a major impact on the future of work, with potential job disruptions and changes in hiring and evaluation processes.- AI will impact the job market, affecting the types and hiring processes of jobs.- Refining our online presence, such as having a complete LinkedIn profile, is important - Building AI literacy is essential for staying competitive in the job market.- Using AI in your current jobs can increase our productivity and value.- Using AI in job searches can automate application processes and save time.- It is important to use AI with moderation and add a human touch to maintain our authenticity. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow

Dec 25, 2023 • 48min
Ep 142: How we paid off $200K in debt
If paying down debt is one of your 2024 goals, this episode is for you. This week we're telling the story of the greatest gift we've ever given ourselves - debt freedom. We paid off $200,000 in five years, but that's not the whole story or the most interesting part. In this episode, we explore the emotional impact of debt, the different approaches to debt payoff, and the role of shame and regret in debt payoff. We also discuss the need to anticipate setbacks in the debt payoff journey, and how building financial resilience provides a sense of comfort and confidence during challenging times. Links:Bankrate Survey about 2024 Financial Goals KeyTakeawaysDebt can have a significant emotional impact, leading to feelings of shame, regret, and hopelessness. It is important to address these emotions and develop a positive mindset.Debt payoff advice is not one size fits all. The type of debt and personal circumstances can influence the best approach to debt payoff.Living below your means and enjoying it is key to sustainable debt payoff. It is important to find a balance between saving and enjoying life.Anticipation and milestones play a significant role in debt payoff. Celebrating small victories and setting clear goals can provide motivation and keep you on track. Building financial resilience through debt payoff provides comfort and confidence during challenging times.Embrace a range of emotions throughout the debt payoff process, rather than solely focusing on happiness.Investment growth may not provide the same level of fulfillment as the debt payoff journey.Stay hopeful and motivated on the journey to financial freedom. Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life. Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by ForbesIf you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow
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